In 2022 holidays were back in full swing and Brits headed to sun soaked locations in their millions. Foreign holidays reached over 70% of pre-covid 2019 travel levels, and in 2023 travel is predicted to exceed that with 61% of people saying they will be travelling this year(1).

With the cost of living rising dramatically, holiday budgeting is more important than ever and with over 202,000 searches every month for queries related to saving money on holiday, it’s clear the nation is keen to ensure the best value for money when it comes to this year’s holiday.

To help the nation save money on their next holiday, travel experts Cruise118.com have revealed how much you should be tipping in each popular holiday destination so you can budget appropriately for gratuities. The Cruise118.com team has researched tipping etiquette in go-to destinations, and the cost of an average mid-range meal so you can choose your holiday destination accordingly, budget properly and never have that awkward conversation around how much to tip again!

Popular Holiday Destinations & How Much a Meal Out Will Cost You
At Sea
The vast majority of cruises with a tipping policy will add a small gratuity charge to your bill. If any of the staff onboard have really impressed you, giving them a small tip will be greatly appreciated. On many cruise lines you can also pre-pay gratuities, which means you don’t need to budget for tipping when onboard.

A quarter of Brits said one of the ways they plan to reduce holiday costs this year is eating out less whilst on holiday. This makes cruising a great option for those holidaying on a budget as your cruise is full-board but you can also choose to pre-pay for specialty meals before you travel, avoiding unwanted shocks when you get your bill for special dining venues onboard.

Asia
Both Japan and China have a no tipping culture (it’s actually illegal to tip taxi drivers in some parts of China). However, Hong Kong is a pro-tipping island with a 10% gratuity fee in most restaurants. In Thailand, tipping is expected in Bangkok, but not expected anywhere else. Whereas India has a 10% customary tipping charge.

Hong Kong:

Average mid range meal price = £55.83 + 10% tip = £61.40

Europe
In France, a 15% service charge is added at restaurants, bars and cafes. When in Greece tipping isn’t necessary. However, the overall tipping consensus in other European countries is around 10-15%.

France:

Average mid range meal price = £52 + 15% tip = £60.95

Dubai and the United Arab Emirates
Dubai has a government mandated 10% service charge in all bars and restaurants, but you’re still generally expected to tip 15-20% on top of this. In the United Arab Emirates, the expectation is a 10-15% tip.

Dubai:

Average mid range meal price = £60.86 + 15 – 20% tip = £71.60 – £73

Australasia
In the South Pacific Islands tipping is not expected, whether that’s for restaurant waitstaff, taxis or tour guides. You’ll also find that tips aren’t expected in Australia and New Zealand. You can offer a 10-15% tip in restaurants, or a tip of $20-50 (AUD) for tour guides, however this may be politely refused.

Australia:

Average mid range meal price = £50.60 + 10 – 15% tip = £56.27

Africa
In Egypt, Morocco, Jordan and South Africa, there is an expected service charge of 10% on all of your restaurant bills. If there isn’t a service charge, we recommend tipping the 10% anyway.

South Africa:

Average mid range meal price = £30 + 10% tip = £33

Americas
In the USA and Canada, neglecting a tip is a major no-no. A 20% tip in restaurants and bars is the expected norm. In the Caribbean you should add a 15-20% tip for restaurants and bars.

America:

Average mid range meal price = £45.50 + 20% tip = £56.98

When taking into account the tipping etiquette in each of these popular tourist hotspots, Dubai will put you the most out of pocket when tipping with a mandatory 10% gratuity and a 20% tip expectation on top of this.

If you’re looking to get the most out of your holiday budget, cruising can be a great option. Going on a cruise with a variety of restaurants as well as entertainment options that are included in the price of the holiday can work out much better value than booking a land holiday and adding on your meals and entertainment throughout your trip.

Cruising also offers the advantage of negating tipping taxi drivers, tour guides – with pre planned and paid for shore excursions. There are even options for adding speciality dining packages to your cruise holiday so you can enjoy prepaid (and tipped) luxury dining, reducing the stress of unplanned costs whilst on holiday.